Lightning Aim to Continue Momentum Against Golden Knights After Historic Night
Following a hard-fought victory against the Anaheim Ducks, the Tampa Bay Lightning prepare to face the Vegas Golden Knights on Sunday, looking to build on a night of individual milestones. The Lightning secured a 4-3 win over the Ducks, overcoming a blown two-goal lead, thanks to anthony Cirelli’s power-play goal – his second of the game and fifth of the season. It marked the Lightning’s first home win of the season.
The game was highlighted by significant achievements for veteran players. Captain Victor Hedman reached 800 career points, all accumulated with the Lightning, while forward Nikita Kucherov registered two assists, sparking a celebratory atmosphere within the team. “We were super excited,” Hedman said of the reaction to Kucherov’s assists. “I’ve seen them all in person. It’s no coincidence. he’s our hardest-working player.”
Despite the celebratory mood, Coach Jon Cooper emphasized the need for continued effort. “There’s a lot to learn from the game,” Cooper stated. “Just because you’ve done it before doesn’t mean you’re going to do it again. You have to understand what it cost and what it costs to do it again. we’re not making many mistakes, but when we make them, we’re getting burned.”
Meanwhile,the Golden Knights come to Tampa Bay after suffering their first regulation loss of the season,a 4-0 shutout against the Florida Panthers on Saturday,where Sergei Bobrovsky stopped all 17 shots. Akira Schmid made 23 saves in net for Vegas.
The Golden Knights are navigating some roster challenges. Adin Hill is recovering from a lower-body injury sustained during a 4-1 win over the Carolina Hurricanes on Monday and is expected to be sidelined for a week. Captain Mark Stone (wrist) has been placed on long-term injured reserve, and defenseman Noah Hanifin is dealing with a lower-body injury.
However, vegas has added reinforcements. They recently signed goaltender Carter Hart to a two-year, $4 million contract, hoping he will fill the void left by Hill’s absence and complement Schmid, who has been promoted to the primary goaltender. Carl Lindbom has been called up from the AHL’s henderson Silver Knights and is expected to make his NHL debut against the Lightning.
Hart, 27, last played for the Philadelphia Flyers in 2023-24 and was previously involved in a 2018 investigation regarding allegations of sexual assault while with Canada’s World Junior championship team. he and four others were ultimately declared innocent, and Hart is the onyl one of the five to sign an NHL contract as.
“I think it’s fantastic,” forward Jack Eichel said of Hart’s signing. “We’re looking forward to having him, and it’s a great possibility for him to play hockey again.” Hart himself expressed his eagerness to return to the ice, stating, “I’m looking forward to moving forward and getting back to playing the hockey I love and showing the community who I really am.” Hart will be eligible to play against the Chicago Blackhawks on December 2.
Brett Howden returned to the Golden Knights lineup against the Panthers, skating 13:09 and finishing with a -2 rating.
—Field level Media
